A Los Angeles-based nonprofit opened an early childhood center specifically for children whose families are seeking asylum in the United States. This center is one of the only places available where migrant children can play and learn for free.

Padres roster review: Rocky Gale

Padres catcher Rocky Gale (right) is congratulated by pitcher Dinelson Lamet (64) and followed by third baseman Christian Villanueva (middle) after hitting a two run homer to tie the game during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park on Sept. 20, 2017.

STAT TO NOTE

.630 – Gale’s OPS over 2,198 plate appearances in the minors.

TRENDING

Idle – A 24th-round pick out of the University of Portland in 2010, Gale provided September’s lasting image when he homered in his first big league start since 2015. It was just the second hit of his big league career after spending eight years in the minors. Gale was removed from the 40-man roster after his last big league call-up, but opted to re-sign a minor league deal with San Diego. A gifted receiver and a defensive-minded catcher, Gale owns a .259/.306/.324 batting line across 2,198 minor league plate appearances. He hit a five of his 11 minor league homers while splitting time between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso in 2016 (.640 OPS) and played all of 2017 in the Pacific Coast League (.693 OPS) before a September call-up after the Chihuahuas’ playoff run.

2018 OUTLOOK

Gale is one of three catchers on the 40-man roster – all right-handed. While Austin Hedges is the unquestioned start, Luis Torrens’ need for more minor league seasoning after his Rule 5 year leaves Gale as the No. 2 in the current depth chart. Of course, Gale’s greatest challengers for the backup job could ultimately come from non-roster invitees like Raffy Lopez, a left-handed hitter who’d be a more natural complement to Hedges.

Padres catcher Christian Bethancourt, left, shakes hands with fellow catcher Rocky Gale after Bethancourt pitched to him in the bullpen during spring training at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017.

FIBA will look at adjusting travel demands on teams at the next World Cup, after this tournament in China led to many complaints about the distances that nations participating in the knockout stages had to cover without much time to prepare for games.